Stephen Hendry believes it will be difficult for Ronnie O’Sullivan to surpass his world title record but insists ‘The Rocket’ is the only man who can do so.

The 46-year-old Scot won the World Championship seven times during his career and currently leads Chigwell-based O’Sullivan by two titles.

O’Sullivan, 39, recently broke Hendry’s career century break record by recording the 776th of his professional career against Marco Fu at the Masters.

And whilst ‘The King of Crucible’ was diplomatic about seeing that particular milestone bettered by O’Sullivan, he admits he would not be so pleased to lose a second record to him.

Asked if anyone could beat his world title record, he replied: “It will be difficult for him but, to be honest, I think he is the only one who can. He is obviously on five and needs three more, so if he doesn’t do it then I don’t think anyone will.

“That record is the one that means the most to me.”

Hendry was commentating for television when O’Sullivan equalled his centuries record against Ricky Walden earlier in the month and admitted it was an inevitability he would lose that crown to the current world number three.

He mused: “It is good it goes to him because he is the best player in the world. You would rather it go to Ronnie than a player who has played for 50 years and has crept past it.

“I wouldn’t have enjoyed that so much but Ronnie is a class player so I don’t mind.”

O'Sullivan, who has been World Champion in 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2013, also trails Hendry in ranking wins, with the Scot leading 38-26. However the five-times UK Championship winner believes O’Sullivan is in a class of his own at present.

Hendry said: “In terms of raw talent Ronnie is out there ahead of everyone. There are two or three catching him though. Neil Robertson took him (O’Sullivan) apart the other day [in the Masters final] and Ronnie looked vulnerable, which is unusual for him.

“Players have their work cut out but there is competition for him.”

Whether Hendry will come out of retirement to challenge O’Sullivan remains to be seen. He has mooted the idea before and speaking to BBC Sport recently, he was non-committal on the idea.

“I am still not decided about the World Championship,” he said. “There is an option there for me to play in it but I am not just going to turn up and play for a publicity stunt.

“I will only play if I think I can play well and do myself justice, but I would need to start practising a month before.”